Trainman&#39;s signal light



p 1956 H. B. MUSSELMAN TRAINMANS SIGNAL LIGHT Filed June 17, 1954 A n-Mme Awi 5. M0114M4A4 United States Patent C) TRAINMANS SIGNAL LIGHT Henry B. Musselman, Balboa, Calif.

Application June 17, 1954, Serial No. 437,440

2 Claims. (Cl. 240-10.63)

This invention relates to a trainmans signal light, particularly for the purpose of Signaling the engineer when operating a train.

An object of my invention is to provide a novel signal light, particularly applicable for the use of conductors, brakemen, and the like, and the prime object of my invention is to provide a signal light which can be more efiectively used and carried by the trainmen.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel signal light which includes a dry battery, a plurality of electric globes illuminated from the battery, and a handle attached to the battery case or housing so arranged that the trainman can easily manipulate the light as required.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel signal light of the character stated in which the handle is arranged in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the housing of the light and can, therefore, be more easily grasped for the purpose, of manipulating the light and, furthermore, a thong or strap can be attached to the handle so that the light can be easily slipped from the arm or wrist of the user.

A feature of my invention resides in the simplicity and compactness of the signal light, and one which can be easily carried by a trainman and will not accidently drop off of his hand or arm while he is moving on or around the various cars of the train.

Other objects, advantages and features of invention may appear from the accompanying drawing, the subjoined detailed description and the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my trainmans signal light.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of the upper or case portion of the signal light.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the numeral 1 indicates a cylindrical housing or case which is adapted to contain a large dry cell or battery 2. At the outer end of the housing 1, I provide a central reflector 3 in which a light globe 4 is mounted. A ferrule 5 may hold the reflector 3 in position in the usual and well known manner, or the ferrule may be a part of a unitary reflector incandescent light and covering lens, commonly termed seal beam. Also on the outer end of the housing 1, and preferably integral therewith, I provide two side lights 6 and 7, which are formed as lugs or projections from the housing 1. Separate globes 8 and 9 are provided in the projections 6 and 7 respectively, and these lights are separately controllable. The usual and well known type of switches 10, 11 and 12 are provided to control the lights 4, 8 and 9,

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respectively. These switches are of the usual push-pull type, commonly used on flash lights. A guard 13 is removably mounted on the outer end of the housing 1 and fits in appropriate sockets 14 formed on the housing 1, as shown. This guard protects the lens or glass coverings of the various electric bulbs and keeps them from being accidentally broken.

By removing the ferrule 5 it is possible to replace the battery 2, when necessary. A straight handle 15 is attached to the inner end of the housing 1 and may either be an integral part of the housing or it may be threaded onto a stud 16 on the housing. The handle 15 is a cylindrical bar of a sufiicient length to be conveniently grasped by the trainman and includes a crossbar 17 at the outer end thereof. A thong or strap 18 is secured to the end of the handle 15 and is of the type and size to be conveniently slipped over the wrist or lower arm of the user so that the signal light can be conveniently carried, even though the trainman might be using both hands. The handle 15 is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the housing 1 and, therefore, the trainman can grasp this handle and point the light or lights accurately in the direction in which the signal is to be given, that is, he can point the light directly at the engineer who is seated in the cab of the engine.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A trainmans signal light comprising an elongated cylindrical housing adapted to contain a dry cell battery, an electric light bulb mounted on the outer end of said housing, a pair of light receptacles projecting from said housing at the end containing said electric light bulb, a light bulb mounted in each of said light receptacles, switch means on the housing for each of said light bulbs, and an elongated straight cylindrical handle projecting from said housing at the end opposite said light bulbs, said handle being in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the housing, a crossbar on the outer end of said handle, and a strap attached to the outer end of said handle.

2. A trainrnans signal light comprising an elongated cylindrical housing adapted to contain a dry cell battery, an electric light bulb mounted on the outer end of said housing, a pair of light receptacles projecting from said housing and integral therewith, said light receptacles being positioned at the end of the housing containing said electric light bulb, a light bulb mounted in each of said light receptacles, switch means on the housing for each of said light bulbs, an elongated straight cylindrical handle of lesser diameter than the housing, fixedly mounted on the housing and projecting from said housing at the end opposite said light bulbs, said handle being in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the housing, a crossbar on the outer end of said handle, said crossbar being integral with the handle, and a strap attached to the outer end of said handle.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 907,484 Fairbanks Dec. 22, 1908 1,446,133 Sloan Feb. 20, 1923 1,531,900 Barber Mar. 31, 1925 1,637,650 McMurray Aug. 2, 1927 2,278,111 Kleinpell Mar. 31, 1942 

